Frelinghuysen Announces Retirement

He leaves open a competitive district and top Democratic target.

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R) announced Monday he’ll retire at the end of his term in a statement which did not specify a reason for his departure. Frelinghuysen had previously said he would seek reelection and hired veteran GOP strategist Mike Duhaime.

Frelinghuysen: “I have worked in a bipartisan manner, not just in times of crisis but always, because I believe it best serves my constituents, my state and our country. My father reminded me often that we are temporary stewards of the public trust.” (release)

His North Jersey district only narrowly backed President Trump in 2016 and several Democrats are vying for the nomination. The front-runner is ex-Navy helicopter pilot Mike Sherrill (D), who has amassed more than $500,000 in fundraising by the end of the third quarter.

NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers: “We’ll sorely miss his leadership in Congress and I wish him well in the next chapter of his life. This district has been held by a Republican since the 1980’s, and we plan to keep it that way in November.” (release)